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The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in 1985 in North America, is one of the most iconic and influential video game consoles in history. Designed to revive the video game industry after the 1983 crash, the NES featured innovative technology, amazing games, and a user-friendly design that helped solidify Nintendo as a household name. It was a 16-bit system capable of delivering impressive 8-bit graphics and sound, setting the stage for future consoles.

The console itself had a sleek and compact design, with a front-loading cartridge port that quickly became a signature feature. Players inserted the cartridges into the console, and with the push of a button, they could enjoy a library of classic titles. One of its most notable features was its simple controller, which featured a D-pad for movement and A/B buttons for action-perfectly suited for the arcade-style games that became its trademark.

The NES quickly became the heart of home gaming, offering beloved titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Donkey Kong, all of which went on to become foundational in shaping the gaming industry. Its extensive game library, along with the innovative Game Pak system, allowed for easy access to new games and solidified the NES as an essential piece of gaming history.

This console was instrumental in launching many of Nintendo's now-legendary franchises and played a pivotal role in shaping the future of video games. 

 


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You're looking at the next generation of home entertainment.  It's the Nintendo Entertainment System.  And it's about to change everything you've come to know about playing and selling home video game systems.  

The Nintendo Entertainment System is revolutionary because it's the first truly interactive home video system.  No other video system features R.O.B. a computer controller wireless video robot who plays games right along with you.  Or the Zapper an amazing light sensing video gun.

This extraordinary pair of video partners lets you transform Nintendo Game Pas into three way and four way video match ups.

And that's only the beginning.  Nintendo has a vast library of games that never stops growing.  All featuring brilliant 52 color/dot graphics that bring you the most vibrant colors, sharpest resolution and truest video images ever seen on a television screen.

The entire family will enjoy home video entertainment like never before.  because never before has there been anything like the Nintendo Entertainment System.


The Nintendo Entertainment System was released in America in 1985, after some limited success in Japan as the Famicom. Over the next few years, its user base would grow exponentially until the NES surpassed the Atari VCS/2600 peak set in 1982. As of 1990, there were over 19 million NES systems in the United States alone.In addition to the tremendous success of the system, its games had a great deal prosperity. For example, Super Mario Bros. 3 released in 1989 grossed over $500 million just in America. In the field of entertainment, only the movie E.T. has made more revenue. Super Mario Bros. 3 would sell more than 7 million copies in America and 4 million in Japan, which is more copies than any other game in history. Sheff wrote, "By record-industry standards, 'SMB3' went platinum eleven times. Michael Jackson is one of the few artists to have accomplished this feat."By 1990, the money earned from Nintendo's NES and its games allowed Nintendo to usurp Toyota as Japan's most successful company. In the entertainment business, Nintendo netted as much as all of the American movie studios combined, and more than the three television networks had in the previous two years. In the five short years since the system was released, the NES could be found in more than a third of the household in America and Japan.This monopoly gave Nintendo significant control over the market during the Fourth Generation, which they utilized in various malicious schemes. Despite all of this, they are still one of the most popular and well-known companies in the world. Nintendo's only competitor in the 8-bit market was Sega with their Sega Master System. While the Master System did have many more features than the NES (which is evident in a side-by-side comparison) it lacked the third party support that Nintendo had and was not much competition. The Master System sold a total of 2 million units and at times had a market share of 11%, these were the only reason the system survived as long as it did.


Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Review: The Console That Changed Gaming Forever

Released in 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is often regarded as the console that saved gaming. Coming off the heels of the 1983 video game crash, the NES brought the video game industry back to life, providing a high-quality gaming experience that appealed to both casual and hardcore gamers alike. With its revolutionary gameplay, iconic titles, and lasting impact on the gaming world, the NES cemented itself as one of the most important consoles in history.

Let's dive into why the NES stands the test of time as one of the greatest consoles of all time.

Design & Build

The NES had a very distinctive design for its time. The console's gray, boxy body made it easily recognizable, and its front-loading cartridge slot was a bit of a novelty compared to other systems on the market. The cartridge slot was designed to be simple and functional, allowing players to insert and remove cartridges with ease. Though it may seem bulky by modern standards, the NES was compact and offered a clean, straightforward design.

One of the most iconic aspects of the NES design was its controller. The rectangular controller was simple but effective, featuring a D-pad for movement, A/B buttons for action, and Start and Select buttons for in-game navigation. The controller was comfortable to hold, and its intuitive layout made it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Though the design was minimalist, it became an instant classic and has influenced the design of countless game controllers since.

Performance & Hardware

In terms of performance, the NES was a remarkable achievement for its time. As an 8-bit console, it didn't have the advanced graphics or processing power of later consoles, but it made the most of its technology. The NES was able to produce detailed sprites, colorful environments, and smooth gameplay that was a step above its competitors. While the graphics may seem primitive by today's standards, they were cutting-edge for the mid-80s and were paired with memorable soundtracks that enhanced the overall gaming experience.

The NES was able to handle fast-paced arcade games with ease, providing fluid movement and intuitive controls. Despite the limitations of the hardware, developers made the most of the system's capabilities, creating memorable and immersive worlds that still resonate with players today. The sound capabilities of the NES also stood out, delivering chiptune music that became an integral part of its identity and helped set the tone for many of its iconic games.

Game Library

The NES's game library is one of its defining features. With hundreds of titles released, the system had an incredible selection of games across various genres, from action and adventure to platformers, puzzle games, and sports simulations. Not only did the NES feature classic arcade ports like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, but it also introduced an unforgettable roster of original games that became some of the most beloved titles in gaming history.

Super Mario Bros., one of the most iconic video games ever created, was a launch title for the NES. The platformer helped define the system and set a high standard for quality and innovation. The Legend of Zelda introduced players to the world of open-world exploration, and Metroid blended action and exploration in ways that would influence generations of games to come.

The NES also helped establish third-party support, allowing developers to create and publish their own games for the system. This led to a wide variety of titles, including Final Fantasy, Castlevania, and Mega Man, all of which became legendary franchises in their own right. The sheer number and diversity of games available for the NES meant there was something for everyone, and the console's vast library made it a cornerstone of home entertainment in the 1980s.

Market Impact & Legacy

The NES was not only a critical success but also a commercial one, helping to revive the video game industry and become a household name. With a price tag that was more affordable than many of its competitors, the NES quickly found its way into living rooms across the world. It was easy to set up and provided hours of entertainment for people of all ages, making it a true family-friendly console.

The system's successful marketing campaign and the introduction of the "Nintendo Seal of Quality" helped establish trust with consumers and set high standards for game development. Nintendo's game licensing policy also helped maintain control over the quality of titles released, which in turn ensured that players could trust the platform for high-quality, engaging games.

Even today, the NES is remembered as the console that launched the video game industry into the mainstream and paved the way for future consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation, and Xbox. Its iconic franchises and revolutionary gameplay continue to influence the gaming landscape, and its legacy lives on through remakes, ports, and references in modern games.

Limitations & Drawbacks

  • Limited Graphics & Sound: While impressive for its time, the 8-bit graphics and sound are dated by today's standards. Later systems, like the Super Nintendo and Genesis, offered more advanced visuals and audio.

  • Controller Durability: Over time, the NES controller was prone to wear and tear, with issues like sticky buttons or faulty D-pads. This was a common problem with many controllers of that era.

  • Cartridge Costs: Games for the NES, especially popular titles, could be quite expensive, which could be a barrier for some players, especially considering the limited memory of the cartridges.

Final Verdict

The NES was a groundbreaking console that defined an era of gaming. It was affordable, accessible, and packed with an incredible game library that included some of the best games ever made. Whether you're reliving the glory days of Super Mario Bros. or discovering the NES classics for the first time, the system remains a cornerstone of gaming history.

While its hardware may seem archaic by modern standards, the impact of the NES on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It laid the foundation for modern gaming consoles and helped establish Nintendo as a dominant force in the industry.

Score: 9.5/10

? A revolutionary console that reshaped the gaming landscape and introduced some of the most iconic franchises in history. The NES remains a must-play for any gaming enthusiast, offering timeless classics that still hold up today.

Would you like to dive deeper into NES classics or explore its impact on gaming franchises?